U.S. golfer Tiger Woods said Monday that an "unexpected reaction to prescription medications," and not alcohol, was what led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Police arrested Woods early Monday morning in the city of Jupiter and released him on his own recognizance several hours later.

In a statement, Woods said he understands the severity of his actions and takes full responsibility.

"I didn't realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly," he said.

Woods added that he fully cooperated with police and thanked them for their professionalism.

The greatest player of his generation and one of the best of all time, Woods, 41, has not won a major tournament since 2008. He was the world's number-one ranked golfer for nearly 700 weeks but is now ranked at number 876.

Woods had been plagued in recent years by multiple back surgeries which have forced him to withdraw from recent tournaments.

Woods has won 14 major golf championships and had been pursuing the record of 18 held by retired U.S. golfer Jack Nicklaus.